Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey “iCON” Billingsley.
Casey “iCON”, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Born and raised in Birmingham Alabama (a traditional city by standards with limited resources) I had to often dream internally. But being blessed to be raised by an optimistic grandmother allowed me to be expressive. Art, fashion & music has been at the forefront of my imagination as long as I can remember. Being from the south Christianity and religion were also staples and as we know, that involves dressing up. My grandmother never wore the same thing twice & so I became extremely involved in her closet & going shopping with her as a kid. Initially, it was annoying & I would be a “kid” and just run around but then those hats & sequin dresses started to really interest me. So it went from not being into it to asking when were we going shopping. As I got older, she would then send me on my own to pick her things out. My grandmother was my first client. Via her, I was able to really establish what I was passionate about. With her teachings, I was able to sprout into a big city creative with southern seasoning.
Has it been a smooth road?
It absolutely hasn’t been a smooth road. But most things worth obtaining isn’t easy. I’ve had to do things and live in spaces that weren’t always up to par or even considered safe but because my eyes were always on the bigger picture, I toughed it out. Moving to New York in the middle of winter in my early 20’s was extremely rough! I had no idea coming from the south how different that would be! I was couch surfing. Sleeping in unoccupied hotel rooms & the floors of friends — it was an experience. But because New York was the Mecca of fashion, I stayed with it & eventually landed a position at the most luxurious retail store in the world – Bergdorf Goodman. Thru that, I gained personal clients and contacts that have aided in getting me where I am today.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Icontips – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Icontips is a brand/artist development & wardrobe architect one stop shop. We specialize in the overhaul of style & concept for people & entities across the spectrum. I’m proud of the growth of the company because it has been a ground up growing experience & we’ve managed to touch several different areas of art and entertainment. We don’t overlook the emotional aspect of what most see as superficial. We embrace the psychological Avenue that comes with art.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Los Angeles is a beautiful and inspiring city. It’s a painting everywhere that you look here. It makes you strive to go harder to achieve what you are looking at everyday. The only thing I can probably point out is the time difference. Lol. Oh and maybe the lack of soul food! Southern jumping out!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.icontips.com
- Email: casey@etcproductiongroup.com
- Instagram: icontips
- Twitter: icontips
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